UFSN Launch

(Tuesday, April 5, 2011,
Toronto, ON – For immediate release) Today, LEAF - Local Enhancement &
Appreciation of Forests along with five other groups around the province held
events to officially launch the newly created Urban Forest Stewardship Network
(UFSN) and its website, www.ufsn.ca. The network
is designed to facilitate an exchange of ideas, resources and contacts for
those community groups and individuals in Ontario interested in improving their
local urban forest.

Ontario’s
urban forests face increasing threat from stresses such as development
pressure, climate change and exotic pests. Many trees are coming to the end of
their lifespan and adequate planting and care programs are not in place. Most
communities in Ontario are experiencing a decline in canopy cover. Without concerted
efforts to actively nurture urban forests, we will see a continued decline and
loss of quality of life in our communities.

The Toronto event, held
in Trinity Bellwoods Park, was organized by LEAF in conjunction with Friends of
Trinity Bellwoods Park. More than a dozen trees were affixed with large “price tags”
outlining the value that urban trees provide to local residents. These include intercepting
rainfall resulting in reduced storm water runoff, conserving energy by shading
homes and businesses and improving air quality by trapping pollution particles that cause breathing problems.
These “ecological goods and services” provided by urban forests save
municipalities and taxpayers millions of dollars every year in infrastructure and
health costs. An average mature tree
provides $162,000 in ecological goods and services over a 50 year lifespan.

“Urban
forests are an important part of our living green infrastructure,” said Janet
McKay, Executive Director, LEAF. “They are the only type of infrastructure that
actually appreciates in value over time.
We should be investing much more in their care and protection.”

Amanda
Gomm, Manager of Volunteer and Community Engagement with LEAF added, “The UFSN
is a terrific resource and support network for individuals to connect with others who care about urban trees and want to work
together to improve our urban forests which ask for so little and give so much.”

The
UFSN is supported by Ontario Power Generation’s Biodiversity program which is
aimed at getting Ontarians involved in protecting
and conserving biodiversity.

“Our partnership
with LEAF is an extension of OPG’s efforts across Ontario to enhance both urban
and rural forests,” said Steve Hounsell, Senior Advisor, Sustainable
Development at OPG.“Since the
spring of 2000, we’ve supported the planting of more than 4.4 million native
trees and shrubs on 5,000 acres of strategically important lands for woodland
habitat restoration.”

Coincident
events were held across the province in Elora, hosted by
Neighbourwoods on the Grand; in Ottawa, hosted by Ottawa Forests and Greenspace
Advisory Committee (OFGAC); in Peterborough, hosted by Peterborough Green-Up;
in London, hosted by ReForest London; in Hamilton, hosted by ReLEAF Hamilton.

“The
urban forest is an incredible recourse that needs to be actively cared for if
we hope to enjoy the benefits they provide,” concluded Gomm. “By joining the
UFSN, citizens can take an active role in ensuring our urban forests will be
with us for generations to come.”

Neighbourwoods
on the Grand:

“It’s good to see the
spotlight being shone on our hardworking trees that do so much for all of us.
And, it’s good to see so many people galvanized to protect, steward and
plant them,” said Toni Ellis on behalf of NeighbourWoods on the Grand.

Ottawa Forests
and Greenspace Advisory Committee (OFGAC):

Susan Barker, the UFSN lead from the City of
Ottawa's Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee (OFGAC) said, “OFGAC would
like to see the City of Ottawa taking a leadership role in urban forestry,
setting a new provincial standard of stewardship. This event marks the beginning
of increased attention to the benefits of trees in the urban environment.”

ReForest London:

"ReForest
London is proud to be part of a growing group of Ontarians who are taking
action in their own communities to protect and enhance their urban forests.
Trees are valuable resources -- economically, environmentally, and
culturally."